The study on cost-benefit analysis of including triple antiretroviral therapy into the core benefit package of the university health coverage in Thailand
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to obtain the cost-benefit data of triple antiretroviral therapy (ARV) and suggest policy options of government subsidization of ARV for all aids patients in the universal health coverage program (UC) in Thailand. Cost-benefit analysis model was employed using treatment cost and outcome data from Bumrasnaradoon Hospital, Thailand. Additionally, a sample of local health to calculate the consecutive annual budget in adding the ARV into Core benefit package. The results indicated that the average annual treatment cost of individual patient in the ARV groups was 87,168 baht (2,075 $ US) and the cost in the non-ARV group was 11,115 baht (264 $ US) (price in 2003). In Using the ARV, the decreasing cost from opportunistic infection was 9,143.04 baht per patient per year. Cost-benefit analysis of the selected three options was conducted and compared. Each option was calculated using drug cost data from different sources including Bumrasnaradoon Hospital, GPO-vir from governmental production organization (GPO), and the Access to Care Project (ATC). The results indicated that cost-benefit ratio of GPO-vir option was 2.68-2.94 which was the most efficient option. The estimated long term annual cost for ARV treatment full of coverage ranged 4,000 - 11,000 million baht per year. After adjustment using the incremental cost from non-ARV treatment, the cost ranged 1,400-8,500 million baht per year. The calculations might vary based on theses circumstances including (1) the effectiveness of GPO-vir in terms of adverse drug reaction and drug resistance, (2) the reduction of ARV price based on the drug patent status, and (3) the decreasing number of the new HIV case based on the prevention program. To obtain the successful outcome of the ARV provision, it was required that (1) the health service institutions should establish standard counseling system emphasizing on patient's self-decision to have the ARV treatment, (2) the networks of patient living with AIDS (PLWA) should be recognized and participated in the counseling and monitoring process, and (3) the health service officers should have adequate training for their readiness to provide ARV. The study suggested that ARV should included for the UC program based on the study results and the purpose of the program in Thailand.